DON’T TRY DEFYING GRAVITY
By Ty Bartell
AUSTINTOWN OH- The position of catcher in baseball and softball is often talked about in the same breath as offensive lines for football. A case where if things are going wrong and everyone points a finger, but when things are going smooth it is often glanced over. However, when talking about the backstop for The Austintown-Fitch Falcons Softball Club you find the gravity that holds everything together in senior McKenna Hogan.
Hogan has always exemplified leadership qualities on the team, whether it was taking younger players under her wing to talk softball or just jam in the car or being the sensational battery combination with Sydnie Watts, whatever the case, Hogan has always given her all.
Another thing known about the sport of softball is that there are ups and downs. While having the leadership abilities a year ago, Hogan was not happy with her average and offensive production following the 2022 season and immediately looked to improve. What most do not realize is the time that goes into the craft during the offseason and Hogan put in all the hours and more when nobody was watching.
Coming into the 2023 campaign, Hogan immediately showed improvements behind the dish. Previously good defensively for her ability to bring down the rise ball of Sydnie Watts. Now going from good to great, Hogan now possesses a cannon for an arm, one that is taking down Division 1 baserunners at an impressive clip! Beyond that, Hogan is batting .439 with 13 RBI on the year, raising her average a total +.164 from a season ago, Hogan continues to defy those who doubt her!
Finding a home with The Notre Dame College Falcons, Hogan will continue her career at the collegiate level, accomplishing a dream that she had since she was a child. From catching current Penn State lefty Lydia Spalding, to sophomore sensation Sydnie Watts to “J-Stack” Julianna Stachowicz. Safe to say, Hogan has gotten experience catching high-level pitchers prior to the start of her college career!
Learn about the highlights of McKenna Hogan’s career, some of her biggest inspirations inside and out of the sport and much much more. You do not want to miss this edition of Player Profile as Ty Bartell and Anthony Hartwig sit down with “Gravity” herself, McKenna Hogan!
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